Karl Adam Hörlein (1829-1902) learned violin-making in Würzburg under Jean Cornelius Vauchel, a luthier well-known in his time but now mostly forgotten. He worked as an assistant to Gabriel Lemböck in Vienna before setting up shop in 1853 in Kitzingen, Bavaria, returning to Würzburg in 1866. He is best-known for his production of the Ritter viola alta, of which he made the first and probably a plurality of succeeding examples, at least some of which may have been produced by Markneukirchen cottage industry and finished in Hörlein's shop. On his death in 1902, his business became the property of Phillip Keller, who finished, made, or had made another seventy or so examples.
I would like to improve my estimate of how many viola altas K.A. Hörlein made. The latest I am aware of is #265, a formerly five-string instrument made in 1901; Hörlein died in 1902. leaving a certain number to be finished by his successor, Phillip Keller, who went on to make or have made additional examples.
Even more interesting, I saw listed at auction a Hörlein viola dated 1872 which appeared to match the pattern and dimensions of the viola alta — three years before the first one was made. I would love to know more about it, if you own it or can provide any information about it.
If you can offer any information on these matters, please contact me.
